When Lanqin arrived at the main hall of Jingren Palace, Lady Nian remained seated, ignoring Lanqin's presence. Helpless, Lanqin had no choice but to find a seat opposite her. After a while, she heard a series of footsteps, the tinkling of jade pendants, and a gentle fragrance. The Empress was surrounded and seated on the throne, with maids standing on either side of her.

Lanqin hurriedly knelt down to pay her respects, saying in a clear and orderly voice, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress."

Lady Nian slowly rose, gave a slight curtsy, and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty. I am unwell and cannot kneel. I hope Your Majesty will understand..."

The Empress, adorned with a purple-gold phoenix and pearl crown and a crimson qipao embroidered with phoenixes and dragons in gold and silver thread, exuded a serene and dignified air. She glanced briefly at Consort Nian, then smiled and raised her hand, saying, "Greetings, Consort Xi. Please rise..." She then smiled at Consort Nian, adding, "Consort Nian is unwell, but I am already very pleased that you insisted on coming. No need for further formalities..."

Ms. Nian hummed in agreement, but said nothing. She casually fiddled with a jade-inlaid gemstone ring on her finger for a while.

Lanqin stood up, smiled, and sat down. On the surface, the three of them seemed to be getting along well, but Lanqin couldn't help but smile wryly. It was truly a drama of three women, all about acting!

The Empress didn't beat around the bush and directly stated her intentions. Lanqin and Lady Nian already knew about the Fourth Prince's selection of concubines, so they weren't surprised. However, they started arguing about who should preside over the selection.

Lanqin didn't really want to get involved, and this gave her some peace and quiet. The Empress then turned her attention to Consort Nian, initially showing concern for her health before smiling and saying, "Consort Nian's health has been poor, and I'm very worried about her. I know you've suffered the pain of losing your son, and you must be heartbroken. Therefore, I think Consort Nian should focus on recovering..."

Lanqin and Lady Nian's expressions both changed slightly. It was clear that Lady Nian was furious, but she only chuckled lightly: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Although I was ill, I am almost fully recovered. I have troubled His Majesty and was thinking of ways to repay him. Now that the imperial concubine selection is underway, I intend to do my best to help His Majesty, so as not to waste His Majesty's affection for me..."

Despite her dissatisfaction with Consort Nian, the Empress still spoke gently, "I'm just worried that Consort Nian's health might not be up to par..."

Lady Nian interrupted the Empress, raising an eyebrow and saying, "How could I not bear it? I am a Noble Consort personally appointed by the Emperor. My brother is selecting concubines, and the harem is overflowing. How could I sit idly by and do nothing..."

As she spoke, she glanced at the Empress: "Your Majesty, it's been many years since you've served the Emperor, so why bother with the selection of concubines? It would be better to leave it to me..."

The Empress's face turned pale and then red, so angry she couldn't speak. Lanqin sensed the tense atmosphere and could only brace herself, saying, "Your Majesty the Empress and Consort Nian are both thinking of His Majesty. Since it's a selection of concubines, it's just following the procedure. I think our harem should be a little more lively. I hope this year's selection will bring some surprises..."

The Empress calmed down, and Lady Nian turned her head away without saying a word.

At this moment, the Empress was even more determined to get rid of Lady Nian. Lady Fucha was absolutely right. Lady Nian was too arrogant. She had lost two sons, yet she was still so domineering and arrogant.

The Empress suppressed her anger and changed the subject, talking about the imperial concubine selection. It was nothing new, just the same old story: to select more virtuous and talented women for the Emperor to have children.